27845, Jackson, North Carolina Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 27845, Jackson, North Carolina is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.50 percent of residents in 27845 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.34 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Halifax Regional Medical Center Inc with a distance of 13.46 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Jackson, NC (ZIP Code 27845)

Moving to a new town, especially with a condition like asthma, requires careful consideration of healthcare access. This write-up, tailored for ZIP code 27845 (Jackson, North Carolina), provides an "Asthma Score" assessment, evaluating transportation options to healthcare facilities. We’ll delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, painting a detailed picture for potential residents. The goal is to empower informed decisions, ensuring accessible and timely medical care for those managing asthma.

Jackson, the county seat of Northampton County, presents unique transportation challenges. Rural environments often mean greater distances to specialized medical care. The Asthma Score considers these factors, providing a nuanced understanding of healthcare accessibility within this specific geographic context. This assessment is not a definitive medical recommendation; it is a practical guide to understanding the transportation landscape.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries**

The primary method of transportation in Jackson is personal vehicles. The Asthma Score prioritizes drive times to essential healthcare providers. Northampton County Hospital in Jackson is the nearest primary healthcare facility. Driving south on US-301 South, a straight shot, typically takes less than five minutes, assuming normal traffic conditions. This accessibility is a significant advantage.

For specialized care, residents often travel to Roanoke Rapids, approximately 20 miles east. The most direct route involves taking US-158 East, which merges with US-301 North. This drive usually takes around 30 minutes. Traffic on these highways is generally light, but delays can occur during peak hours or due to unforeseen incidents.

Further specialized care, such as pulmonology or allergy specialists, may necessitate travel to Greenville, North Carolina, a larger city approximately 70 miles southeast. The most common route involves taking US-158 East to US-64 East. This journey can take upwards of an hour and a half, depending on traffic. This extended travel time is a crucial factor in the Asthma Score, particularly during an asthma exacerbation.

Emergency situations require immediate access to care. The drive to Northampton County Hospital is a significant advantage. However, the longer drive times to Roanoke Rapids and Greenville necessitate careful planning and consideration of potential delays.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Jackson are extremely limited. The area lacks a comprehensive bus system, and fixed-route services are virtually nonexistent. This severely restricts access to healthcare for those without personal vehicles.

The lack of public transit is a major factor in the Asthma Score. Individuals who cannot drive or lack access to a vehicle face significant barriers to accessing medical care. This can be particularly challenging during an asthma flare-up, when quick access to medication or emergency care is crucial.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft may be available in Jackson, but their availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in more rural areas. The Asthma Score must consider the potential unreliability of these services.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. Companies specializing in non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) may operate in the area. These services typically provide transportation to and from medical appointments for individuals who cannot drive themselves.

Researching local NEMT providers is crucial. This includes verifying their service areas, insurance acceptance, and the types of vehicles they offer (e.g., wheelchair-accessible vehicles). The Asthma Score assesses the availability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of these services.

**ADA Accessibility: A Critical Consideration**

For individuals with disabilities, including those with severe asthma who may require wheelchair assistance, the availability of accessible transportation is paramount. Public transportation, when available, must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

In the absence of robust public transit, ride-sharing services and medical transport providers must offer ADA-compliant vehicles. Confirming the availability of accessible transportation is a vital component of the Asthma Score.

**Medical Transport Brands: Investigating the Players**

Several medical transport brands may serve the Jackson area. These companies vary in their services, pricing, and insurance acceptance. Thorough research is essential to identify the most appropriate provider.

**Factors to consider:**

* **Insurance coverage:** Does the provider accept your insurance plan?
* **Service area:** Does the provider serve the specific healthcare facilities you require?
* **Vehicle types:** Does the provider offer vehicles that meet your needs (e.g., wheelchair accessibility)?
* **Availability:** How far in advance do you need to book a ride?
* **Cost:** What is the cost of the service, and what payment options are available?

**The Asthma Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The Asthma Score for Jackson, NC (27845) is heavily influenced by the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transportation options. The five-minute drive to Northampton County Hospital is a significant advantage. However, the longer drive times to specialized care in Roanoke Rapids and Greenville, coupled with the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services and the limited availability of public transit, present challenges.

The Asthma Score emphasizes the importance of:

* **Reliable personal transportation:** Owning or having access to a vehicle is almost essential.
* **Emergency preparedness:** Knowing the quickest routes to the nearest hospital and having an emergency plan in place.
* **Pre-planning for appointments:** Booking medical transport well in advance.
* **Thorough research:** Investigating the availability and reliability of ride-sharing and medical transport services.
* **ADA compliance verification:** Ensuring that any transportation options are accessible.

Moving to Jackson with asthma requires a proactive approach to healthcare access. The Asthma Score provides a framework for evaluating the transportation landscape and making informed decisions. While the rural nature of the area presents challenges, careful planning and resourcefulness can ensure that individuals with asthma receive the timely and appropriate medical care they need.